Graduate Programs

Ph.D. Program

The Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology participates in the graduate Program in Biomedical Science and Engineering (PBSE). Over 50 faculty members who come primarily from the Departments of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, offer an unusual breadth of expertise and exceptional opportunities in interdisciplinary graduate research training. When students apply, they indicate interest in one of four training tracks:

• Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology (MCD)
• Biomolecular Engineering and Biology (BMEB)
• Chemical Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics (CB3)
• Microbial Biology and Pathogenesis (METX)

Each of the tracks provides a set of focused core courses and advanced electives that draw on the expertise of the PBSE faculty and provide students with advanced training in interdisciplinary approaches to biomedical science and engineering. The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering reflects the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of biomedical research at UCSC.

During the first year, students do research rotations in the labs of three PBSE faculty members. Interdisciplinary rotations are encouraged. The MCD track has an excellent training record and is supported by a National Institutes of Health Training Grant. Former graduate students have obtained faculty positions at prominent academic institutions such as Harvard Medical School, UC Santa Barbara, and the University of Texas, as well as at top tier biotechnology firms, such as Affymetrix.

Ph.D. Application

To start your application, please visit the Graduate Application Page.

Please refer to the Division of Graduate Studies Admissions website for our current application due date and for more information about the application process.

To view a list of the specific materials required to apply to the MCD PhD program, visit the PBSE-MCD Graduate Studies page.
Submission of General or Subject GRE scores is not required.

M.S. Program

The MCD department also accepts applications from students interested in obtaining a Master’s degree. This is typically a two-year program carried out under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Acceptance into the M.S. program requires a faculty sponsor from MCD Biology before submitting an application, and students are expected to include a letter from their faculty sponsor detailing such support in their application. This letter does not need to promise financial support, but it should indicate that the faculty member approves of the applicant to join their lab as a Master’s student.

This letter of acceptance into a lab is required to be considered for admission to the M.S. program, however it does not necessarily guarantee admission.

Students interested in a Master’s degree should directly contact core MCD faculty members with whom they would like to work and obtain a letter of sponsorship prior to applying in order to secure acceptance into a lab.

M.S. Application

To start your application, please visit the Graduate Application Page.

Please refer to the Division of Graduate Studies Admissions website for our current application due date and for more information about the application process.

To view a list of the specific materials required to apply to the MS program, visit the MCD-MS Graduate Studies page.

Submission of General or Subject GRE scores is not required.